Japan Tobacco (JT) will introduce the tobacco vaporizer Ploom into its home market from 12 Dec, the company announced.

Ploom employs a battery-powered heater like e-cigarettes, but vaporizes real tobacco packed into single-serving pods. Developed in California, Ploom is marketed outside the US exclusively by JT under a 2011 agreement. JT first launched Ploom this past May in Austria, and since has introduced the device in Italy and Korea.
Tobacco pods last 10 to 15 minutes, JT said. Some pods will be named after cigarette brands, including the popular Mevius brand and Pianissimo. The device will cost JPY 3,500 (EUR 26) and a 12-pod pack JPY 460.
“Needs of smokers have become more diverse, requesting unique methods of tobacco consumption”, JT said. “To respond to these needs and even to exceed the expectations of consumers, the company aims to provide them with a wider variety of choices not limited to existing concepts.”